Written from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida:

My Elder brother, William Frederick Ogden (nicknamed Bill,  Billie, or Og) was fourteen years older than I.  He was the first born; I was the last.  In between us were sister Joy Claire, twelve years my senior, and David Devantier Ogden, 22 months older than I.  Bill and Joy were the first of what I call a Tea for Two family -- in the words of the old song " A boy for you and a girl for me."  Ten years later came another set of Tea for Two kiddies; brother David and me.  

As the years went by I began referring to Bill and myself as the Bookends.  He on one end, I on the other, with Joy and David in the middle.  Bill seemed to enjoy this description.  He would give me that infectious, loud laugh whenever I mentioned us as Bookends.  Few people knew that, in his later years, he also wrote humorous stories -- some were so silly, but I loved reading them and would laugh and giggle at various parts of the story.  He enjoyed watching and listening to me enjoying them.

Bill was a complex, talented man.  He joined the U.S.Marines as a teenager.  I never really knew him then as I was so much younger -- he had left home at about age 15 to live in Florida with our father's sister and her husband.  During the war years, in my home, there were photographs of my "hero" Marine brother who was fighting in the Pacific theater of war.  He was a gunner in a tank and landed on several islands.  This early experience had a large influence on who he became as an adult.  (He was also recalled to be a Marine "DI" during the Korean Conflict.)  

He loved music, and enjoyed the fact that I became an entertainer singing and playing the organ in clubs around the country finally retiring in Florida where he had spent most of his adult life.  He and dear Laura May enjoyed many fun times with my husband Jim and me during our years together down here.

Brother Bill and I, along with our spouses and many in our family, are strong believers in the Gift of Salvation promised and paid for by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Therefore Death has no victory in his passing.  His soul has passed from death into Eterrnal Life. Bill's Coronation is sure  I rejoice in knowing I will see him again, and enjoy his company -- along with our siblings and Christian ancestors -- forever in the place Jesus said He went to prepare for us who are Christ followers.  I wonder if they play Cribbage in Heaven?  If so -- Bill will be at the table winning every hand.

Shalom, dearest brother.  Till we meet again.....

Judie, or as he first called me, Judie bebee